family

04/20/2010

This is a good article on leading by example and using yourself as a role model to influence the eating behaviour of your own kids... Nothing speaks more than your own actions and not your words.

Realize they are what you eat (and do)Quite possibly the easiest and most effective change you can make stems directly from your actions. Guarantee that your kids will observe your good behavior with family meals and active outings. Family dinners are healthy in more ways than one: A new study out of Syracuse University found that the rituals and routines in family mealtimes help establish identity and are good for mental health too.

But in terms of actionable behavior, if you want your kids to stop drinking so much soda, you shouldn't guzzle down pop regularly either. Don't encourage playing outdoors while you're catching up on TiVo ‑- it's far more effective if you're running around with them.

Why it works: Kids are amazingly perceptive. While you're not expected to become a model eater overnight, start by making the same changes you expect of your kids. "You have the greatest ability to influence by what you do, not what you tell them to do," says Dr. Hill.

04/16/2010

The first 6 years of a child's life is time of rapid brain growth. You can use these creative and engaging ways to hone the little one's intelligence...

Music

Learning how to play a musical instrument from age 4 can raise a child's IQ by as much as 6 points. Music is said to improve a child's IQ as he learns to recognise and remember patterns, repeitions and rhythmn of music.

You can sing nursery rhymes and songs to your child. Dance to your child's favourite music as movement adds to the overall learnign experience. Keep the musical instrument you choose age appropriate and skill appropriate. Babies love simple rattles, while toddlers like noisier bangs. Your pre schooler can start learning violins, piano and drums as they require more dexterity.

Arts and Crafts

Playing with paints and crafts allows kids to express their creativity. Holding crayons and paintbrushes enhance kids' fine motor skills.

You can add a "Art Centre" at home. Australian artist Christopher Martin syas " Don't tell your kids what to paint, and let them make a mess- it can always be cleaned up".

Reading

Kids who love reading make better learners. According to Prof Barry Zuckerman, a US pediatrician, sharing a bedtime story with your kid is the single most significant factor influencing early educational success. Storytelling enhances a kid's memory and devedlops his vocabulary.

04/15/2010

1) When making a salad, allow your kids to mix and toss in the dressing ingredients and other ingredients

2) Buy age-appropriate recipe books from the kids section and let your children try the easy recipes for a start

3) Grow a herb garden in pots in your kitchen and make it a point for your children to water these plants.

4) Take your kids to organic farms to help them understand how vegetables grow. Especially for urban kids like mine, exposing them to the natural environment really helps them be aware of the wonders of nature

Enjoy interacting with your kids through the above activities and all the best!!!